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The differences between applications programmers and java/j2ee developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an applications programmer, becoming a java/j2ee developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a java/j2ee developer has an average salary of $90,995, which is higher than the $85,133 average annual salary of an applications programmer.
The top three skills for an applications programmer include java, C++ and database. The most important skills for a java/j2ee developer are web application, java, and javascript.
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
Java developers are in charge of the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Whereas, J2EE or Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition developers are responsible for developing web and software enterprise-internet level applications. Both developers utilize the Java programming language, but the first one develops desktop-based applications while the later develop enterprise-related applications. Java developers have many roles and responsibilities, and they vary based on the applications that they develop and design.
Applications programmers and java/j2ee developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Programmer | Java/J2ee Developer | |
| Average salary | $85,133 | $90,995 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $112,000 | Between $70,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Dropbox | Barclays |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications programmer and a java/j2ee developer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Programmer | Java/J2ee Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between applications programmers' and java/j2ee developers' demographics:
| Applications Programmer | Java/J2ee Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 16.0% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |